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A barium enema examination involves taking X-rays of the
lower digestive tract, which includes the colon and the rectum.
In order to examine this area, a barium enema is given so
that the barium can be retained while the series of Xrays
is taken.
This page is intended to provide you with information about
the procedure.
X-rays normally pass through soft tissues of the body, such
as those in the lower digestive tract. However, when barium
coats the colon and rectum, it blocks the X-rays and casts
a shadow. This shadow is displayed on a fluoroscopy screen
and recorded on X-ray film.
Because your lower digestive tract must be clean to ensure
a successful exam, your doctor may prescribe a liquid diet
for a period of time before the procedure.
To help clean the colon, a laxative, suppository and/or
enema may be prescribed for the evening before and the morning
of the exam. Your physician will provide you with specific
instructions on administering enemas before the exam.
Any woman who thinks she may be pregnant should inform her
doctor before scheduling the exam.
After removing your clothing and putting on a gown, you
will be asked to lie on an examination table. A fluoroscope,
which allows the body’s organs to be viewed on a TV
monitor and recorded on X-ray film, will be positioned above
you.
You will then lie on your side so that a lubricated enema
tip can be inserted into your rectum to allow a liquid barium
mixture to flow into your bowel.
Using the fluoroscope, your radiologist will observe the
barium as it flows into the colon. Periodically, you will
be asked to turn from side to side.
Each time X-rays are taken, it is important that you remain
perfectly still. The sliding and snapping sounds you will
hear is the film cassette moving into place.
After a series of X-rays is completed, you will be allowed
to go to the bathroom and expel the barium. You may need
to have additional X-rays of the empty colon.
The examination usually takes less than one hour. You will
need to wait until the radiologist has examined the X-rays
to ensure that they are acceptable.
To ensure that all barium is completely removed from the
colon, an additional laxative or enema may be recommended
following your exam. After the examination is interpreted
by the radiologist, a written report will be sent to your
physician. Please allow several days before contacting your
physician.
While a generally safe procedure, the examination does involve
radiation. As such, the benefits of having it performed should
outweigh any associated radiation risks.
, please contact the chief
technologist at 732-923-6800 or the medical physicist at
732-923-6811.
Click
here for the informational brochure (pdf),
available as a PDF (portable document format) file.
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